McMillan Comments on A78 Meeting

Stuart Mcmillan MSP has commented on last night's meeting with Transport Scotland and AMEY discussing progress on the A78/Inverkip Junction. Inverkip And Wemyss Bay Community Council and others were also in attendance.

Mr McMillan said;

"The meeting was well attended and the community activists and politicians were content that we were fully briefed on the additional work commissioned.

"We were informed that the final report will be published shortly.

"It is clear that Transport Scotland and Amey have listened to the concerns raised by Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council and myself and will continue to do so. Additional measures are required for this junction and with even more development, such as the power station proposals, this will only exacerbate the current infrastructure including the existing junction.

MSP and Councillor Welcome Council Response on Potholes Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Ward Councillor Jim Grieve have today (Monday) welcomed a response from Inverclyde Council which indicates the Council's actions to repair road defects in Port Glasgow.

Mr McMillan had written to Inverclyde Council to raise the issue of potholes in Port Glasgow after receiving a number of constituent response to his resident's survey indicating this was an issue which needed addressed.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome this response from Inverclyde Council which indicates the actions the Council has and will take to address potholes in Port Glasgow.

"I note from the responses to my residents survey that people are fed up with road defects and the problems this meant for vehicles.

"Therefore, its good news that Inverclyde Council have carried out a scheduled inspection of Port Glasgow Town Centre and they will programme in for attention any defects found."

Cllr Grieve said;

"I know from speaking to constituents, in my ward, the issue of potholes is an important one.

"Therefore, I would encourage people to contact Inverclyde Council and make them aware of any pothole issues they know about."

McMillan Disappointed with UK Government Response on Pleural Plaques

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) made his anger and disappointment known in regard to a response letter he has received from the Minister of Justice stating that the new UK Government will not be overturning the House of Lords judgement on providing compensation for pleural plaques suffers .

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Mr McMillan raised his concerns regarding the lack of action by the previous UK Government to bring forward legislation that would overturn the House of Lords ruling on pleural plaques.

A decision which has been overturned in the Scottish Parliament by MSP's who passed the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill in 2009.

Mr McMillan said;

""I had hoped that this new Government would be responsive to the issue of compensation, as the rights of those in the rest of the UK must be consistent with the rights of those with pleural plaques in Scotland.

"The new Government has announced that it will proceed to implement the limited extra – statutory payments for individuals who had commenced their compensation case prior to the House of Lords decision in October 2007. However, this does not go far enough. There is a responsibility to recognise the role that all those exposed to asbestos contributed to the development of the heavy industries, to shipbuilding, construction and manufacturing in the UK.

"This is an issue that is of great importance, and although I am delighted with the action of the Scottish Parliament in passing Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill, the right to pursue compensation should extend to every individual in the UK who has pleural plaques."

Mr Harry McCluskey, Chair of Clydeside Action on Asbestos stated;

"The rights of anyone who develops pleural plaque are of the utmost importance. It is extremely difficult to explain to someone from England why the UK Government will not support them.

"There is much frustration and disbelief amongst those diagnosed south of the Border as they find it very difficult to comprehend that they cannot pursue compensation, but those diagnosed as a result of exposure in Scotland can. I share their frustration
.
"This charity has campaigned for the rights of people with an asbestos related disease for over 25 years. We are extremely proud of our campaign to restore the right to compensation in Scotland. We had hoped that the example and commitment of the Scottish Government would be reproduced in England and Wales.

"We are now urgently calling on Mr Cameron's Government to listen to the experiences of those diagnosed and reconsider introducing legislation to give people the right to pursue compensation, regardless of where they live."

McMillan Condemns Coalition Over Postal Privatisation Plans

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday), once again, made his concerns known about the UK Government's plans to push through the privatisation of postal services.

Mr McMillan was reacting to news that in a written statement today (Thursday) by Liberal Democrat Minister Ed Davey MP who indicated he was seeking an update of the Hooper report on Postal Services.

Mr McMillan said;

"The previous Labour Government part privatised our postal services and now the path the coalition Government are taking with regard to the Royal Mail will only lead to job losses and a deterioration of services provided to communities.

""There is no logic behind these proposals. Royal Mail cannot be viewed as just another company. It provides an essential public service, to communities such as Inverclyde, and small businesses who do not have access to alternative carriers.

"Over the last three years I have campaigned in for the retention of postal services here in Inverclyde against the privatisation agenda by Labour and now it appears the Con Dem Coalition government.

There is a clear difference in approach to the postal services between governments. The SNP Government have released £1m for a Post Office Diversification fund, whilst at the same time London Government's want to cut the network.

"Privatisation of the Postal Services is the wrong policy being put in place at the worst possible time."

McMillan Welcomes Confirmation of A78 Meeting

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news from Transport Scotland that the follow up meeting, with interested parties, to discuss the A78 to take place on Monday 28th June.

The meeting will be a further opportunity to hear about the video study that was undertaken by Amey in March of this year and to find out what progress has been made in relation to road safety on the A78.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the confirmation from Transport Scotland that a further meeting will take place, with interested parties, in connection with the A78 Inverkip Road and road safety.

"As I've said before, this is a campaign which will not rest until real action is taken to address the safety concerns of the many constituents who have contacted my office through the two consultations I undertook with the Inverkip and Wemyss Bay villages.

"Therefore, I am pleased Transport Scotland have arranged a further meeting to discuss the video study and I will be raising a number of issues such as the Bankfoot Roundabout, the traffic lights at Inverclyde Academy and about accidents on this stretch of road."

McMillan Looks Forward to Action Mesothelioma Day

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament supporting the fifth annual Action Mesothelioma Day, which will occur on 2nd July 2010.

Mr McMillan will also be attending the first ever Scottish Patient carers day, hosted by Clydeside Action on Asbestos, on Action Mesothelioma Day.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the fifth annual Action Mesothelioma Day which takes place on Friday 2nd July and I will be attending the first ever Scottish Patient carers day in Glasgow on the same day.

"It's important to raise awareness of the mesothelioma and other asbestos related conditions to highlight what is being done to improve treatment and care.

" I would like to, once again, commend Clydeside Action on Asbestos for all their work in highlighting asbestos related conditions and for their efforts in helping secure the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act."

McMillan Welcomes Cashback for Communities Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement by Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill that grass-roots level athletics, badminton, hockey, squash and tennis will benefit from a £1.5 million investment over the next two years using funds from the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities initiative.

Cash recovered from the proceed of crime will be used to provide new participation opportunities for more than 10,000 young people across Scotland, and adds to existing sports programmes in football, rugby and basketball.

Mr McMillan commented:

"I am delighted that the Scottish Government is using the money recovered from the proceeds of crime in a positive manner and investing in the health and wellbeing of our communities.

"Athletics, hockey, tennis, badminton and squash are five popular sports that have a common strand - they can make a difference to people's lives.

"Sport contributes to the health and well-being of young people and this investment is an excellent example of how Cashback is making a positive impact. By taking funds from the ill-gotten gains of crime and putting it back into our communities we are making them safer. There will be places for up to 10,000 young people to get involved in these new sports and help steer them away from potentially getting involved with petty crime or drink and drugs."

McMillan Welcomes Award for Bishopbriggs Academy

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) welcomed the news that Bishopbriggs Academy picked up the award for Enterprise & Employability at the 2010 Scottish Education Awards.
The winners were selected from a pool of more than 650 nominations, coming from every part of the country with awards given across a diverse range of categories - including health, sport, literacy and numeracy, enterprise, sustainability, citizenship and technology.

They were announced at an awards ceremony in Glasgow, attended by more than 500 pupils, teachers, parents and others.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to hear the news that Bishopbriggs Academy picked up the award for Enterprise and Employability at this years Scottish Education Awards ceremony held in Glasgow.

"This is a great achievement for the school and all those secondary pupils involved as the award recognises the school is helping children and young people develop the necessary skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work, essential to learning and education under Curriculum for Excellence.

"I will be writing to the school the pass on my congratulations and very best wishes for the future."

McMillan Discusses New HMP Inverclyde With Scottish Prison Service

Stuart McMillan MSP has met with the Scottish Prison Services to discuss proposals for the new HMP Inverclyde.

Stuart said:

"I had a helpful discussion with representatives of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) where we discussed the new HMP Inverclyde.

"I was made aware that SPS haven't finalised a location for the new prison but they are looking at a host of sites throughout Inverclyde and are working in conjunction with Inverclyde Council.

"I did ask about full public consultation and it was confirmed that this will take place in due course."

CBI CONFUSION OVER TAX POWERS PLAN

Commenting on the CBI's manifesto for the Holyrood 2011 election the SNP said that growing the economy had to be at the heart of plans for a strong and sustainable recovery as the party welcomed the CBI's regonition of progress made in areas such as planning, procurement, business rates and government efficiency in Scotland under the SNP.

Commenting SNP MSP and Economy committee member Stuart McMillan said:

"Growing our economy has been at the heart of the Scottish Government's actions over the last three years and is essential to delivering a strong and sustainable economic recovery for Scotland.

"The CBI's recognition of the gains made under the SNP for business through lower business rates, better procurement, faster payment, regulatory reform and improvements to the planning system demonstrates the SNP's commitment to working with and supporting business in the best interests of the country as a whole.

"It is important that any Goverment looks toward the best interests of all it's citizens and industries and that is the approach the SNP will be taking through these tough times."

Questioning the CBI's comments on the Calman reforms SNP MSP and Finance Committee member Linda Fabiani said:

"In recent weeks the CBI have been trying to defend the unworkable tax proposals from the Calman Commission. Where it seems confused is that while pushing the Calman plan it is simultaneously demanding that even this ineffective power should never be used.

"When it comes to tax powers for Scotland, CBI Scotland should look at how working together we can make Scotland a more competitive environment for business and increase the responsibility of politicians for supporting economic growth. Not settle for stagnation."

McMillan Welcomes Inverclyde Schools HMIe Report

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news from a report published by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) that Sacred Heart Primary School, Inverclyde has highly-motivated children who are enthusiastic in their learning. The report also said a particular strength of the school came from the staff who provide children with high-quality learning experiences.

Mr McMillan said;

"Its excellent news to hear of this report from HMIe which states that Sacred Heart Primary has highly-motivated children who are enthusiastic in their learning.

"A great deal of credit goes to the hard work and dedication shown by all staff members in receiving such a report. This is why I have lodged a motion of congratulations in the Scottish Parliament.

"I note the inspectors have acknowledged the children attainment in reading, writing and mathematics has improved in recent years.

"I hope this report will allow the school to go from strength to strength in the future."

McMillan Welcomes Review of Ferry Services

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that a review of ferry services in Scotland has been published.

The Scottish Ferries Review examines current provision of ferry services. It invites respondents to consider a range of changes and improvements suggested by people and communities across Scotland that could be made to meet future customer needs. This includes how ferries should be funded and procured; the setting of fares; what kind of services should be supported with public money and who should be responsible for providing these services.

The review was a commitment within the 2006 National Transport Strategy (NTS) and will inform the preparation of a long-term ferries plan for lifeline services to 2022.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the launch, by the Scottish Government, of a review of ferry services in Scotland.

"I know residents in Gourock will be interested in this review and I would encourage them to make their opinions known in relation to the Gourock-Dunoon service."

McMillan Urges Inverclyde Post Offices to Apply for Support

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government's new one million pounds Challenge Fund.

The scheme is being launched to help local post offices diversify with new business activities and become increasingly sustainable.

Applications for awards ranging from £2,500 to £25,000 will be sought over the summer, following a short Scottish Government consultation which starts today.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the launch of the Scottish Government's Challenge Fund which will allow post offices in Inverclyde to respond to the consultation and, therefore, apply for much needed support.

"The post office network plays an important role in the local community, by providing much needed services, and its vital support is forthcoming to maintain such services.

"Therefore, I will be writing to post offices in Inverclyde to urge them to respond to the Scottish Government's consultation and apply for support."

MSP and Councillor Welcome Rebranding & Painting of Inverclyde Stations

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP ) and Inverclyde Councillor Chris Osborne have today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from ScotRail that they are to make improvement works to train stations in Inverclyde.

Both Cartsdyke Station and Bogston Station are to be rebranded and painted in the run up to next years Tall Ships event. The news came in a response letter from Steve Montgomery Managing Director of ScotRail to Mr McMillan.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the news from ScotRail that it is to bring forward improvements to Cartsdyke and Bogston stations in the lead up to the Tall Ships event.

"It's important we portray Inverclyde in a positive light and I'm sure undertaking these improvement works will make the stations more visually pleasing to all those coming to the area for the Tall Ships race.

"I look forward to seeing the improvements and welcoming all the visitors to Inverclyde for the Tall Ships."

Cllr Osborne said;

"It's fantastic news that both Cartsdyke and Bogston stations will be rebranded and painted before the start of next years Tall Ships event.

"I look forward to seeing the improvement works to both stations and welcoming all the visitors to Inverclyde for the Tall Ships 2011."

BUSINESS SURVEY EMPHASISES NEED FOR BANKING ACTION

Responding to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2009 report published today by the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship SNP MSP and Economy Committee member Stuart McMillan said it emphasised the need for a diverse banking sector and for banks to support small business.

"It is no surprise that business start ups have fallen through the recession.

"One part of the package to support business must be an increase in business lending by the banks and more diversity in the business banking market.

"With Scotland's business banking dominated by only two banks and lending at a low during the recession many viable businesses will have struggled to get finance together, while the impact of the recession will have scared other budding entrepreneurs away.

"The SNP will continue to listen to anyone with ideas for supporting small business and to work with Scotland's business community to continue our help, through the small business bonus, to cut costs and help small business thrive. However action by the banks, to back business, back growth and support the economy is a key step in recovering from the recession and encouraging people into business."

McMillan Promotes World Oceans Day

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) spoken in the Scottish Parliament chamber to promote the upcoming World Oceans Day which raises awareness of the oceans of the world and encourages their sustainable development and protection.

World Oceans day was formally established last year by UN to occur on June 8th of every year. The 2nd Annual World Oceans Day is to be celebrated next week.

Mr McMillan speaking in his own Members' debate said;

"World Ocean’s day encourages sustainable and enjoyable practices for the environment and the oceans in particular."

"It is our responsibility as members of one of the most progressive countries in the world to recognize the ecological impact that we have upon our oceans, and realize what a vital role they play in our lives."

"We also need to call into question the practices we undertake as a people and how we react to man-made disasters like the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill that is currently wreaking havoc on the Caribbean"

"Sailing and responsible recreational boating are some of the most environmentally friendly activities one can enjoy."

"The status of the ocean is especially important to the West of Scotland as there are more opportunities for Sailing and Boating there than anywhere else in Scotland."

Stuart McMillan MSP's Parliamentary motion;

S3M-5940# Stuart McMillan: World Oceans Day—That the Parliament recognises World Oceans Day 2010 on 8 June and congratulates the United Nations for designating a day with the aim of improving the health of the world’s oceans; considers that lobbying by the Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network encouraged the UN to officially recognise 8 June as World Oceans Day; acknowledges that there will be events to mark the date across the world and hopes that communities across Scotland may take part or organise their own events; further considers that the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, Scotland’s first such Act, goes a long way in improving awareness and responsibility for the sustainability of Scotland’s seas and hopes that the events on 8 June will take up this message; hopes that the theme of the day, Our Oceans, Our Responsibility, will be widely spread, and wishes World Oceans Day much success in future years.

McMillan Encourages Informing on Gangsters

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) has encouraged more people in East Dunbartonshire to inform the police about people suspected of being involved in serious or organised crime, after statistics revealed over £5.5million of assets and criminal profits were recovered for taxpayers last year.

Figures released this week by the Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini show that Strathclyde Police force seized over £650,000 which will be reinvested in local projects through the Cashback for Communities scheme.

But Mr McMillan is keen to see more people assisting the police and other agencies in recovering assets gained through criminal activity.

Mr McMillan said:

"The Cashback for Communities scheme has worked very well for East Dunbartonshire with a number of projects here receiving substantial pots of money that has been seized from criminals.
"With over £5.5million seized in Scotland, a record amount since the Proceeds of Crime legislation allowed this type of action.

"But the success of the police in recovering these assets ultimately relies on the general public informing them of any form of crime.

"Seizing assets not only helps cut off the funding supply to the gangsters but it helps compensate the communities affected by serious and organised crime.

"I would therefore strongly urge the people of East Dunbartonshire to continue working with the police to break the cycle of serious organised crime and return the proceeds of crime to our communities."

Health Body Backing for Minimum Pricing Welcomed by McMillan

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the backing for minimum pricing given by the UK Government’s health advisers the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

The advisory body also recommend Scotland’s efforts to tackle the problems alcohol causes in our society should be an example for England to follow.

As well as endorsing minimum pricing, as proposed by the SNP Government, the report backs consideration of public health issues when granting alcohol licenses, part of the current Scottish licensing system, and the system of brief interventions to address alcohol problems faced by individuals.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is an extremely significant announcement from NICE. After two years of study they have come to what is increasingly the only workable and logical pricing solution to society’s problems with alcohol.

"The SNP stands by the idea that price and availability are a crucial part of the picture when it comes to cutting consumption and the cost to the health service and our economy.

"Bans on selling below the price of cost and duty will not have the same impact on health and harmful drinking in Inverclyde. The supermarkets themselves admit they would not want to reveal what cost price is.

"It is now abundantly obvious that only minimum pricing will deliver the desired effects on consumption and on public health.

"Scotland took a bold step to introduce the smoking ban after evidence from the same health professionals who are now supporting minimum pricing. It is time to listen to the evidence and to the increasing support across the health and justice systems and alcohol industry and take the same bold action to introduce a minimum price for alcohol.

"I urge the parties in the Scottish Parliament who have stated opposition to minimum pricing plans to re-think their objections. We need a clear and workable solution to the devastating impact alcohol consumption is having on Scotland and minimum pricing is consistently coming out on top as a step in the right direction".

McMillan Welcomes Schools Investment in Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news that £300 million of investment from the Scottish Government to deliver 35 new schools has been given the go ahead.

The first tranche of the £1.25 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme will see every local authority benefit. Funding will be made available for 14 secondary schools, 20 primary schools and one special school, with the Scottish Futures Trust working in partnership with the councils to deliver the new projects.

The school building project for Inverclyde is Lilybank / Glenburn Schools.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement from the Scottish Government that it will be delivering 35 new schools throughout Scotland and that Inverclyde will be benefiting from this investment by way of the school building project at Lilybank / Glenburn.

"This investment demonstrates the SNP Government's continued commitment to improve our schools estate and give our young people the best possible start in life.

"Alongside this, the funding will boost the local economy in Inverclyde and create and maintain employment for years to come."

McMillan Welcomes Launch of Dementia Strategy

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the launch of Scotland's National Dementia Strategy by the Minister for Public Health Shona Robison MSP.

The strategy lays out eight specific actions to support improvements in the care and treatment of people with dementia, focusing particularly on improving the support given in the wake of a dementia diagnosis and improving hospital care. It also commits the Scottish Government to continuing its support for dementia research.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the launch of Scotland's National Dementia Strategy which sets out the Scottish Government's plans to care for people with dementia.

"I was delighted to speak in the Scottish Parliament in support of a Charter of Rights for people with dementia and their carers and to also give the opening speech at Living positively with dementia' Conference in Inverclyde last year.

"I believe it was vital that dementia is recognized nationally and that Scotland's older people get the necessary care they need and require, therefore, the launch of this strategy acknowledges the action required to support people with dementia, something I fully support."

McMillan Comments on Record High Number of Police Officers

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has commented on the latest Scottish Government figures which show a record number of police on the beat in Scotland.

Today’s figures show an increase of 1175 police officers since the election in 2007, fulfilling and surpassing a key pledge of the SNP manifesto.

Alongside putting more police on the beat the SNP has been working to make Scotland safer, with more people serving longer prison sentences and sentences for knife crime double the length they were under Labour.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Putting over 1000 additional police officers on the beat to make our streets safer is a key commitment from the SNP and one that is paying real dividends.

"With more police, communities in Inverclyde feel safer, crime is reduced and police are able to tackle the problems in the area.

"The crackdown on gangs, confiscation of knives and weapons, targeting of drug dealers and action on serious and organised crime is all possible because of the increased number of officers on the beat.

"Under Labour sentences were shorter and police were left without the resources they needed to do their jobs.

"It is a stark contrast that while Labour offered no new police in Scotland the SNP has delivered over 1000 with more to come and is increasing police funding this year despite Labour’s £500 million cut to Scotland’s budget."